Dear Patrons,

SatCom Industry Association's (SIA-India) Study Report "A Balanced Approach for Spectrum Allocation- Support for a Thriving 5G/IMT & Satellite Sector in India" was released by Dr. VK Saraswat, Hon'ble Member, NITI Aayog, on Tuesday, 8th March 2022.

The meeting was virtually attended by Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, President SIA-India & CMD Ananth Technologies and various SIA-India members.

The paper seeks to advance adoption of a non-discriminatory, technology-neutral spectrum policy in India thereby helping to create policies to facilitate the entry of new technologies and competitors into the market, encouraging and promoting innovation.

Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri said 'Digital India's development needs to leverage the sustainable development of various technologies, with a strong ecosystem of private players along with a conducive regulatory and policy regime creating a favorable business environment in the country. Terrestrial technologies alone cannot achieve the desired outcomes in regard to the current connectivity gaps in India and a mix of Terrestrial and Satellite technology is urgent and imperative for providing reliable and universal connectivity'

Dr. V K Saraswat, Hon'ble Member, NITI Aayog said "I am happy this paper talks about co-existence of diverse technologies in harmonization". He also emphasised that satellite can certainly serve the various unserved areas and usher significant economic growth with contribution ranging between $72-184 billion and will go a long way in meeting the required the needs of the industry. The satellite industry must aim for dynamic allocation of spectrum and multibeam system which will reduce some stress from spectrum allocation.

Dr. V K Saraswat also stated that this study paper by SIA-India has come at a very opportune time and urged SIA-India to conduct a seminar with DoT, DoS, Academia, Industry, and stakeholders working on various devices that would serve this industry. The conference will further help achieve the desired outcome for the ecosystem.

Department of Space [DoS] has initiated a final round of consultation with the key industry stakeholders in formulating the much-awaited Indian Space Policy. The Space Policy is likely to come within this year ahead of the major satellite launches planned by several startups and organisations. The Government has announced its intent to liberalise the space sector and bring space reforms based on four pillars:

• The freedom of innovation for the private sector,
• Government as an enabler,
• Preparing youth for the future,
• Space sector as a resource for the progress of the common man.

Private industry can now use the facilities and capabilities of the ISRO for developing as well as launching satellites. Utilisation of capabilities includes; Ground Infrastructure, Technology Transfer, Data Transfer and Products.

The new draft space policy is up for consultation and final submission of inputs. DoS held a meeting to discuss the new draft on February 2, 2022. SIA-India has given a detailed presentation and is also making a written submission with detailed comments and the requisite justification.

With the new draft Spacecom Policy 2022, SIA-India is hopeful that the policy will underline the very significant role of non-geostationary (NGSO) satellite systems (LEOs and MEOs) which are likely to play a critical role in India's Space and Communication Industry. Enabling regulations and policies will pave the way to use new-age satellite constellations and disruptive technologies optimally.

A few Observations from the latest draft Space Policy:

• Common Policy Document: Space Policy document now is common for Satcom, Remote Sensing and Navigation, all in one - Renamed as Indian Space Policy-2022.
• Clarity on the Role: There has been a positive attempt to demarcate and identify the role of DOS, IN-Space and NGE for each policy item.
• IN-SPACe -'Single Window' Mechanism: IN-SPACe to act as the 'Single Window' to enable ease of doing business for the space industry . (Section 5.1 and 7)
• Expanded role of NGEs: NGEs can now offer capacity for 'societal communications' (Section 4.1.5). This was previously reserved for DOS. This will allow private satellite capacity to be put to use to meet universal broadband goals.
• Communication requirements of 'strategic users': This has remained the domain of DOS as per earlier drafts, but now there is recognition of potential industry role.

SIA-India welcomes the efforts of DoS in drawing out the caveats of the space policy. There is an urgent need for a Space Act and a Spacecom Policy that matches the global pace.

SIA-India had a meeting with Mr. Hari Ranjan Rao, Administrator - USOF, DoT on 15th of Feb 2022. Also present in the virtual meeting, Mr. Suneel Kumar Niraniyan, DDG Satellite, DoT,

Mr. Kamal Bhagat, DDG (II), USOF and members from BBNL. SIA India, accompanied by K Krishna from Hughes, raised specific issues with regards to the role of USOF in providing satellite connectivity through TSP. Satellite Broadband can connect the 37,439 inhabited villages, 6000 rural villages [5-10% villages] to the internet through VSAT. It is an unviable proposition for the telcos to provide connectivity to these sites due to high infrastructure cost vis-a-vis the cost of bandwidth.

Satellite connectivity is more feasible in cases where the terrestrial modes are unviable to connect the last mile. Satellite with LEO constellations will play the role of a catalyst in the technology mix to address a large market under Digital India goals. SIA-India will work with industry stakeholders and bring out a study paper on the extensive possibilities of interplay between USOF objectives and satellite based connectivity options enabled through some concrete suggestions for changes in the USOF procurement framework.

Inmarsat

Inmarsat has joined SIA-India as a Patron Member. Inmarsat is closely associated with India since its inception forty years ago. Inmarsat originated from an inter-governmental organization under the UN for providing satellite-based maritime communications, focused on the safety of crew and ships.

Inmarsat serves aviation, maritime, Government, and enterprise markets with an unparalleled portfolio of services and solutions.

To know more about Inmarsat please visit their website which is provided below.
https://www.inmarsat.com/en/index.html

Telesat

Telesat joins SIA-India as a Patron Member. Telesat is one of the largest and most successful global satellite operator and is backed by a legacy of engineering excellence, reliability and industry-leading customer service. Telesat has been providing reliable and secure communication solutions to hundreds of broadcast, telecom, corporate and government customers for more than fifty years. Telesat also provides industry-leading technical consulting and support services to other satellite operators, insurers and industry stakeholders around the globe.

To know more about Telesat please visit their website which is provided below.
https://www.telesat.com/

Space Machines Company (SMC)

SMC joins SIA-India as a Patron Member. SMC is an Australian startup with a research and development centre in India, developing space transportation capabilities to cost-effectively insert small satellites into desired LEO, GEO and cis-lunar orbits - contributing essential sovereign capabilities for Australia's future space requirements in addition to developing products to power the space economy.

To know more about SMC please visit their website which is provided below.
https://www.spacemachines.co/

Planet Aerospace

SIA-India is happy to announce the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between SIA-India and Planet Aerospace for strengthening the capacity building and training activities in the field of Space Science and Technology in India.
To know more about them: https://www.planetaerospace.in/

SIA-India and APSCC

SIA-India proudly announces the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between SIA-India and Asia-Pacific Satellite Communications Council [APSCC] to exchange views on satellite-related policies, technologies, systems, and services in the region.

APSCC is a non-profit international association representing all sectors of satellite and/or space-related industries, including private and public companies, government ministries and agencies, and academic and research entities. The overall objective of APSCC is to promote communications and broadcasting via satellite as well as outer space activities in the Asia-Pacific for the socioeconomic and cultural welfare of the region.
To know more about them: https://apscc.or.kr/